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I have worked on Amana and Panasonic. All have been the commercial models found in restaurant kitchens. At the beginning I got all my service info off the web and there is a lot of good info out there. Using step by step diagnostic charts I have been able to repair them. At first it took me too long to charge my normal hourly rate (steep learning curve). Now with some experience I can repair them quickly and properly and most important profitably. I guess it's like anything else it takes a little experience and you get better with each one you work on.....be very careful you will pay dearly for any carelessness because they can kill you......good luck and give it a go.

I'm right in line with the other two replies. Microwaves are actually very simple machines to work on with very good info available online. I wasted $75 on a cd rom trainer only to find the exact same info for free on the web. And dangerous is an understatement. I had a fellow tech killed by a microwave. Know EXACTLY what you're looking at before you put your hands on one!

I'll normally go into one. I've seen the door switches stick or there's normally a couple of replaceable fuses on the boards. It's one of those things to get Bit on if you're not careful. (Time Vs. Charges)

Yes, anything electrical you have to respect. i do understand that. Sometimes your not sure what to add or not add to these posts, sorry for that.

I have been to the Turbochef class they offer and work on the toaster ovens currently. They have 2 microwaves in them with convection oven and other stuff. I dont have many problems with them, so always having to re-learn. If I worked on the microwaves it might help me on the Turbochefs too.

I have never had the case off the microwaves, so maybe I should just take a look. Are there "normal" things that normally go wrong?

Would there be anything better about the Amana or the Sharp? Those are the two that can be purchased, so trying to get one type to make it easier.

Yes, anything electrical you have to respect. i do understand that. Sometimes your not sure what to add or not add to these posts, sorry for that.

I have been to the Turbochef class they offer and work on the toaster ovens currently. They have 2 microwaves in them with convection oven and other stuff. I dont have many problems with them, so always having to re-learn. If I worked on the microwaves it might help me on the Turbochefs too.

I have never had the case off the microwaves, so maybe I should just take a look. Are there "normal" things that normally go wrong?

Would there be anything better about the Amana or the Sharp? Those are the two that can be purchased, so trying to get one type to make it easier.

thanks for any additional help too!

jt

Most microwaves are surprisingly similar regardless of the manufacturer. If you know and understand Turbochefs, a little Amana should be no problem for you. As was posted earlier, door switches are a very common failure item. People just HAVE to slam the doors one these machines. And its usually one of these switches that cause the fuse to blow, just the same way as the left side switches on the Turbochef. You'll also find magnatron failures or burnt off antennea. In fact it's been my experience that MOST microwave issues are either the mags or the door switches. Every once in awhile you'll find a shorted transformer, board thats failed or maybe a bad triac. Another common issue is the ribbon cable from the board to the control panel cracking or de-laminating. All of these parts are fairly cheap and readily available. If you Google Microwave repair you'll see just how little there actually is to troubleshooting a microwave. Just BE CAREFUL!!!

Your right, on turbochefs, its usually the micro switches for the door or the door closing arm too. I almost have a full oven in parts in the van (ha,ha). If someone breaks in to the van I hope they get the cash and not the parts! Im sure we are all like that.

I know what I can work on and what I cant. I have replaced one or two of almost all the mechanical parts, but only a few of the electrical parts. I DO know what to respect in there tho, and know from the hvac side about the caps.

Thanks for the short list of most parts. That helps, I know from other stuff its usually something common and basic.

Your right, on turbochefs, its usually the micro switches for the door or the door closing arm too. I almost have a full oven in parts in the van (ha,ha). If someone breaks in to the van I hope they get the cash and not the parts! Im sure we are all like that.

I know what I can work on and what I cant. I have replaced one or two of almost all the mechanical parts, but only a few of the electrical parts. I DO know what to respect in there tho, and know from the hvac side about the caps.

Thanks for the short list of most parts. That helps, I know from other stuff its usually something common and basic.

Thanks,
Jasson.

Would your company be willing to send you to a class? I really worry about giving info on microwave ovens. They can be very deadly if not serviced correctly.